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Asian woman eyelid close up

East Asian Blepharoplasty

What is East Asian Blepharoplasty (Double Eyelid Surgery)?

East Asian blepharoplasty, often referred to as double eyelid surgery, is a specialised procedure that creates a natural-looking crease in the upper eyelid for individuals who are born without one. It is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic eyelid surgeries in East and Southeast Asia, and increasingly sought after by individuals of East Asian heritage around the world.

Importantly, this is not a “Westernising” procedure, nor is it intended to erase ethnic identity. Instead, the goal is to enhance or define the natural features of the eye while maintaining harmony with each individual’s facial characteristics and cultural background.

In some patients, only one eyelid lacks a skin crease but the other eyelid does not. In this situation, many patients request surgery on just one eyelid to restore symmetry with the other.

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Understanding the East Asian Eyelid

Half of individuals of East Asian descent are born with a monolid — an upper eyelid that lacks a visible crease. This is a normal and natural variation in eyelid anatomy. However, some patients may seek surgery to create a more defined eyelid crease for aesthetic or personal reasons — such as making it easier to apply makeup, feeling that the eyes appear more open, or simply preferring the look of a crease.

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How is Asian blepharoplasty performed?

East Asian blepharoplasty is a surgical technique that creates a natural-looking eyelid crease while preserving the unique features of the Asian eyelid. It involves making a fine incision through the skin at the desired height of the new skin crease. Through this incision muscle and fat can be adjusted to create a permanent crease. The results are usually permanent. In some centres around the world a different approach is used (non-incisional method) but Miss Ting does not recommend this technique as the results are less predictable and often fade after a few years, necessitating the need for repeat surgery.

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What to Expect from Surgery

  • The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic with or without sedation

  • Surgery takes around 45–60 minutes

  • You’ll go home the same day with post-operative instructions

  • A crease is created that is tailored to your facial features and preferences — not a "Western" fold, but a naturally proportioned result

 

Recovery and Healing

  • Swelling and bruising are expected and may last 2-3 weeks

  • Skin stitches are removed at 7 days 

  • Most people return to normal activities in 14 days

  • The crease will settle gradually over several weeks and refine in shape over the following months

  • Mild asymmetry early on is common and usually resolves as swelling settles

 

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Because East Asian blepharoplasty requires detailed knowledge of ethnic eyelid anatomy, surgical precision, and aesthetic sensitivity, it is best performed by a surgeon with experience in eyelid surgery for Asian patients. As an oculoplastic surgeon of Chinese ancestry, Miss Ting has a deep understanding of the technical and cultural nuances involved in this procedure and tailors her approach to your individual anatomy and goals. Her aim is to achieve natural, harmonious results while preserving your unique ethnic identity.

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